Kids in 20 B.C. communities will be given access to kid-sized soccer pitches as part of a $13-million investment in celebration of the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver.
At a media event Thursday, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang announced a partnership between the province, viaSport, and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC to build the new pitches.
The ministry says B.C. communities are welcome to apply in spring, and the football club will select 20 to receive a “state-of-the-art” pitch, described as “modular multi-sport surface ideal for rural and urban settings, schools and community spaces.”
It says the initiative delivers on the provincial government’s promise to “harness social and economic benefits” of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“With the World Cup coming to our province, we must create a lasting legacy that benefits children throughout B.C.,” said Vancouver Whitecaps FC CEO Axel Schuster.
Kang says the legacy will be helping more young people become more active.
“Each mini pitch will feature a 60-by-120-foot playing surface designed to support multiple sports and year-round playing. But these pitches will be much more than just places to play. They will bring the whole community together and be a focal point for sports and celebrations, generating community pride and spirit,” said Kang.
(Courtesy Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
She added that the pitches will be supported by continued programming organized by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Soccer, and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council.
The ministry says it will begin installing the pitches in September 2026 and complete the project in December 2027.
Vancouver’s BC Place will host seven FIFA World Cup matches starting on June 13. Team Canada will play on June 18 versus Qatar.